By Pastor Bill Flavin | Scripture: Mark 1:1-8; Isaiah 40:1-11
This first week of Advent we wonder together what hope means for us in 2020? And how do we live as a people of Hope in the midst of all that 2020 is sending our way?
This first week of Advent we wonder together what hope means for us in 2020? And how do we live as a people of Hope in the midst of all that 2020 is sending our way?
Life brings pressure, uncertainty, and challenges—but we’re not meant to face it alone or unprepared. Before we talk about the armor, we begin with the foundation: what it means to be rooted in God’s strength rather than our own, and why God gives us this armor for daily life. This will set the stage to talk about why deep roots are essential for a steady, resilient faith.
In 1 Peter 3:15 we hear “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” On this Sunday we will hear three stories of that hope from people in our church, and how being part of this work has impacted them.
It’s three days later. The Jewish sabbath is not over, and Jesus’ followers go to prepare his body for burial. What follows is a series of history altering events including an earthquake, angels, and even politically motivated bribes. But what if our focus on Jesus dying for me, misses the breadth, the depth, and the impact of what all went down that first Easter Sunday?